Research

Figure 15. Resting spores of clubroot within host (canola) cells. This image was taken using scanning electron microscopy. [Photo courtesy of J.P. Tewari, University of Alberta]

Significant grower dollars are being invested into clubroot research through the Canola Agronomic Research Program (CARP) and the Prairie Canola Agronomic Research Program (PCARP). These projects include:

1. 2004-21: Characterization of the clubroot disease problem on canola, Lead: Dr. Stephen Strelkov, University of Alberta.

Full Summary Report

Science Snapshot

2. 2008-14: Seedborne transmission of clubroot of canola: evaluation and significance and control, Lead: Dr. Stephen Strelkov, University of Alberta.

3. 2008-19: Effect of non-host crops and host management on clubroot of canola, Leads: Dr. Sheau-Fang Hwang and Dr. Stephen Strelkov, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development and University of Alberta.

4. PCARP: Survey and evaluation of soil micro-organisms for control of clubroot on canola, Lead: Dr. Gary Peng, AAFC.

5. 2009-18: Evaluation physical and chemical methods for cleaning and disinfesting tools, machinery, equipment, and other hard surfaces contaminated with clubroot, Lead: Dr. Ron Howard, Alberta Research Council.

Several researchers from the University of Alberta and Alberta Agriculture and Food have begun research projects on clubroot in Alberta. Public and private breeding programs are also working to develop more clubroot-resistant lines for western Canada.

Watch for updates on research progress!

2009 Clubroot Summit

In April 2009, participants from the canola industry gathered in Nisku, Alberta to discuss the proposed Clubroot Risk Mitigation Initiative. The feedback from this meeting will be used to continue to refine the Clubroot Risk Mitigation Initiative and improve the specific projects identified in the initiative document. It can also be used as a reference point for determining funding priorities and future progress of research on clubroot. Meeting presentations and summary notes can be reviewed below.

Alberta clubroot survey 2008. Murray Hartman, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.

Cleaning and disinfesting machinery and equipment. Ron Howard, Alberta Research Council.

Clubroot biocontrol. Gary Peng, AAFC.

Clubroot management research. Gary Peng, AAFC.

Development of clubroot resistant canola. Habibur Rahman, University of Alberta.

Integrated management of clubroot of crucifers. Stephen Strelkov, University of Alberta.

Pathology Model - clubroot vision. Stephen Strelkov, University of Alberta.

Pioneer 45H29. Igor Falak, Pioneer Hi-Bred.

Potential distribution and severity of clubroot in western Canada. Kelly Turkington and Randy Kutcher, AAFC.

Proposed clubroot breeding research. Habibur Rahman, University of Alberta.

Resistance rating scale for clubroot. Stephen Strelkov, University of Alberta.

Seedborne transmission of clubroot. Stephen Strelkov, University of Alberta.